This bill amends existing laws regarding the responsibilities of local school districts in providing transportation and meals for kindergarten students. Specifically, it removes the requirement for school districts to provide transportation and meals to half-day kindergarten students. The new legal language inserted into RSA 189:6 specifies that local school districts are required to furnish transportation only to full-day kindergarten pupils and those in grades 1 through 8 who live more than 2 miles from their assigned school. Additionally, the bill allows for the option to provide transportation to half-day kindergarten students, but it is no longer mandated.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 189:11-a, I to state that each school board must make at least one meal available during school hours to every full-day pupil, while the provision for half-day kindergarten students is removed. The meals must be provided at no cost or at a reduced cost for eligible children based on federal income guidelines. The effective date of this act is set for 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of this bill on local school districts is indeterminable and may vary by district, as the removal of these requirements could lead to changes in local expenditures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:6, 189:11-a